26 July 2012

Bulgaria named cheapest for family beach holiday

Research from the Post Office has suggested that Bulgaria's Sunny Beach resort could be the cheapest destination for a family holiday.

The Bulgaria's Sunny Beach resort could be the cheapest destination for a family holiday.

Comparing prices of a basket of typical items and activities the Sunny Beach resort came out top around 9% cheaper than it's nearest rival the Costa del Sol in Spain which was the best value in the Eurozone.

The greatest variation was found in the price of insect repellent ranging from £0.69 in the Costa Blanca to £6.51 in Alcudia Majorca.

The cost of admission for 2 adults and 2 children to water parks varied from £41.63 in Sunny Beach Bulgaria to £94.83 in Ayia Napa in Cyprus.

While interesting, this basket approach does not attempt to establish realistic relative costs over a one or two week holiday as some items for example jelly shoes and insect repellent, are likely to be one-time purchases, whereas family meals (cheapest in Bulgaria again and most expensive in Crete) and sun lounger hire may be daily. The survey also takes no account of the relative quality of the services and facilities.

Andrew Brown, Post Office Head of Travel Money, said: "Our Beach Barometer shows just how much beach extras can add to the family holiday budget. Giving in to kids' demands is understandable – we've all done it – but it can wipe out the extra spending money that holidaymakers will have in their pockets this year, thanks to sterling's gains against the euro and other European currencies.”

Holidaymakers after the best value for money find the best deals on car hire are usually to be found by pre-booking.